January in Amsterdam

January facts

Many streets and canals are illuminated with lights.
Tourist crowds are at their lowest, an ideal situation for seeing the city's most popular museums and attractions.
Flights and hotel rooms are at their cheapest.
Some museums and attractions may be closed on New Year's Day (January 1).
January is one of the coldest months in Amsterdam. Wear warm clothing: A cold Amsterdam wind and temperatures hovering around freezing can feel bone-chilling. Layers of warm clothing are recommended.
Ice-skating rinks at Leidseplein, Museumplein (in front of the Rijksmuseum), and Buikslotermeerplein.

January Festivals & Events


January 1 New Year's Day As in many countries this day is a national holiday. Some museums and attractions may be closed.	Gelukkig Nieuwjaar

January or February Chinese New Year Celebrations Amsterdam's celebration of Chinese New Year includes dancing, fireworks and Chinese exhibitions. On January 1 or 2, the Chinese community in Amsterdam offers a preview with celebrations and traditional performances. Festivities are centered around Nieuwmarkt, the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown.

January 15, 2012 \| 38th edition Vondelparkloop Run or walking tour over the main roads through the Vondelpark, organised by Radio TV Noord-Holland. Run distance: 3.5 km (1 round), 6.7 km (2 rounds) or 10 km (3 rounds). website: www.vondelparkloop.nl

one week at the end of January (Jan 25-29, 2012) Amsterdam International Fashion Week Besides an official catwalk at the Westergasfabriek, other public events (like trade shows, exhibitions, presentations, lectures, film screenings and parties) will take place at galleries, museums, cinemas, shops and clubs throughout Amsterdam. website: www.amsterdamfashionweek.com

January 26, 2012 Esnoga Concerts Unique winter concerts in the candle-lit Portuguese Synagogue. website: www.esnoga.com

four days in late January (Jan 19-22, 2012) Jumping Amsterdam More than 50,000 equestrians and horse enthusiasts attend this international competition in dressage, jumping and driving at Amsterdam's RAI event center. In between contests, visitors are treated to performances by various musicians and artists. website: www.jumpingamsterdam.com

January 23, 2012 Chinese New Year Celebrations Amsterdam's celebration of Chinese New Year includes dancing, fireworks and Chinese exhibitions. Festivities are centered around Nieuwmarkt, the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown.

end August-end April Ajax Amsterdam Football Club Spend a Sunday amongst frenzied fans of the famous AFC Ajax, one of Europe's most innovative and successful football clubs. Ajax plays in the impressive, modern ArenA south of the city.